Balamand pays tribute to Ghassan Tueini

The University of Balamand organized a special gathering in honor of the late Ghassan Tueini on February 23rd. It took place in Hariri Auditorium and brought together officials, as well as members of the Balamand community, in the presence of His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch, His Excellency Minister Marwan Hamadeh representing Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri, and President Dr Elie Salem. Speakers included H. E. Marwan Hamadeh, Deputy Nayla Tueini, Ambassador Dr Nassif Hatti, Vice-President Dr Georges Nahas, and journalists Talal Salman and Jihad Al Zein.

Ghassan Tueini was editor-in-chief of An-Nahar, a leading newspaper, and the second President of the University of Balamand, holding the latter position from 1990 to 1993.

Following a video presentation highlighting speeches delivered by President Salem and Mr Tueini, Dr Charbel Dagher addressed the audience in a welcoming speech.

Vice-President Georges Nahas, bringing the gathering to a close, made further reference to Ghassan Tueini’s career and in particular to his academic contribution to the University of Balamand.

Mr Jihad El Zein, praised Tueini the distinguished journalist, able to captive the readers through his writings.

Mr Talal Salman, founder and editor-in-chief of As-Safir newspaper, which was forced to shut down due to financial difficulties, told the audience about his early experiences in journalism alongside Mr Tueini.

Three further speakers took the rostrum to honor Ghassan Tueini’s memory.

H.E. Marwan Hamadeh pointed to the challenges of journalism and the financial problems faced by some newspapers. He also paid tribute to Mr Tueini’s career, citing his leading role in combining politics with journalism and his unswerving devotion to the cause of freedom.

Ambassador Dr Nassif Hatti honored Tueini the influential journalist. Ms Nayla Tueini praised Tueini the man, the father and grandfather, making special mention of his contribution to journalism and diplomacy.